Effect of Hydroalcholic Extract of Nigella sativa on Doxorubicin-Induced Functional Damage of Kidney in Rats

Doxorubicin is an important anti-cancer drug which can cause renal toxicity. Nigella sativa has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Nigella sativa on doxorubicin-induced functional damage of kidney in rats. This experimental study was implemented, using 32 male Wistar rats which were divided randomly into 4 groups control, doxorubicin (5mg/kg), Nigella sativa extract (200mg/kg) and Nigella sativa plus doxorubicin. The groups were treated for 5 consecutive weeks and on days 0, 6, 10, 14, 21, 28, 35 the 24-hour urine samples and serum were collected to measure the levels of serum and urine glucose, serum urea, urea clearance and Glomerular Filtration Rate. Statistical analyses were made using one-way ANOVA followed by the Tukey’s test and paired T test. The mean of serum urea on day 10 in doxorubicin group was significantly increased compared to the pre-injection state. The mean of urine glucose on day 28 in Nigella sativa plus doxorubicin group was significantly decreased compared to doxorubicin group. The means of GFR on days 21 and 35 in doxorubicin group were significantly decreased compared to control day. The means of GFR on days 21, 28, 35 in Nigella sativa plus doxorubicin group were significantly increased compared to doxorubicin group. The means of glucose on days 21 and 28 in doxorubicin group were significantly decreased compared to control day. The hydroalcoholic extract of Nigella sativa reduces the doxorubicin-induced functional damage of kidney in rats and helps improve the Glomerular Filtration Rate rate and decreases the glucosuria.